Pte 16808 Reginald Eaton

• Age: 23
• From: Aintree, Liverpool
• Regiment: The King's (Liverpool Regiment) 18th Btn
• K.I.A Saturday 29th January 1916
• Commemorated at: Carnoy Mil Cem
  Panel Ref: O.14

Reginald Eaton was born in 1893 in Aintree, Liverpool, the youngest of six sons born to Edward Eaton and his wife Sarah (nee Hammond). He also had two sisters. His parents Edward and Sarah Hammond Hilton were married 23rd January 1881 at St Pauls, Kirkdale. 

The 1901 Census shows the family, incorrectly recorded as Heaton living at 7 Hartleys Village, Aintree, Liverpool. Reginald is 8 years of age and is living with his parents Edward, a 43 year old, Walton born, foreman at a jam works (Hartley's) and Sarah a 43 year old born in Everton. His siblings are recorded ass; Thomas E. a 19 year old grocer's assistant, William A. a 17 year old junior railway clerk, Ernest aged 15 and also a junior railway clerk, Robert aged 14, Stanley aged 12, Hettie aged 10, and Hilda aged 5.

The 1911 Census shows the family have moved to 1 Hartley Village, Aintree. Reginald, is now 18 years old and working as a clerk. His father Edward, is now 53 and a works manager at a Fruit Preserving Works (Hartley’s), living with his wife Srah aged 53. They advise that they have been married for 30 years and have had 8 children, all of whom have survived. Reginald's siblings are listed as Robert a 24 year old clerk, Stanley a 22 year old carter, Harriet aged 20 and Hilda aged 15.

Reginald enlisted at St. George's Hall in Liverpool on 02^nd September 1914, joining the 18th Battalion as Private 16808 aged 21 years.

From the 23^rd September 1914 he was billeted at Hooton Park Race Course and remained there until 03^rd December 1914 when they moved into the hutted accommodation at Lord Derby’s estate at Knowsley Hall. On 30th April 1915 the 18th Battalion alongside the other three Pals battalions left Liverpool via Prescot Station for further training at Belton Park, Grantham. They remained here until September 1915 when they reached Larkhill Camp on Salisbury Plain. 

On 07^th November 1915 he arrived in France with the BEF.

Reginald was killed in action on 29^th January 1916, aged 23,  during heavy fighting when the Germans, in an attempt to take part of the French line near Frise.

On 28^th January, the German bombardment of the Allied line reached high intensity, when Brigadier Stanley estimated the German artillery fired 35,000 shells at the British and French positions. At about 1.00am on 29^th January, trenches occupied by the 18^th Battalion were subjected to a fierce bombardment and 3 Company were attacked in their trenches near Carnoy by more than 100 enemy armed with trench mortars and rifle grenades.  The members of 3 Company, under the command of Captain Arthur de Bels Adam repelled this attack, forcing the enemy to withdraw. Two members of the Battalion were killed - Privates 16806 Eady and 16808 Eaton.  This attack, it transpired, was an attempt by the Germans to mark the birthday of the Kaiser on 29^th January. Captain Adam was awarded the Military Cross but was himself killed on 01^st July 1916.

Reginald now rests at Carnoy Cemetery, Grave O 14. France.

Carnoy cemetery was begun in August 1915, by the 2nd King's Own Scottish Borderers and the 2nd King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, when the village was immediately South of the British front line. It continued in use by troops holding this sector until July 1916, when Field Ambulances came up and a camp was established on the higher ground North of the village. It was closed in March 1917. From March to August 1918, it was in German hands, and German (and a few British) graves were made between the British graves and the entrance, and also in a German Cemetery alongside; but the German graves and the German Cemetery were removed in 1924.

There are now over 850, 1914-18 war casualties commemorated in this site. Of these, nearly 30 are unidentified and special memorials are erected to 17 soldiers and one airman from the United Kingdom, known or believed to be buried among them.

The cemetery covers an area of 4,441 square metres and is enclosed by a red brick wall.

His effects were sent to his father and included a hymn book, a New Testament, shrapnel bullets and French buttons.

A report on his death appeared in the Evening Express on the 16th February 1916:

A LIVERPOOL PAL 

Official news has just been received by Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, 1 Hartley's Village, Aintree, of the death of their volunteer son, Private Reginald Eaton, of the 2nd City Battalion the King's (Liverpool Regiment) (Pals). He was killed by a bomb attack on January 29th, death being instantaneous. He was one of the first to answer the call of his country. One of his brothers is serving in the 3rd Pals and two in the 6th Liverpool Rifles. A letter has been received by his father from his captain saying that he died a hero, and was highly respected by both officers and men. The deceased soldier, who was 23 years of age, was employed at Hartley's jamworks.

On 29th January 1917 the Liverpool Echo published Memoriams for Reginald - 

Roll of Honour – EATON – In loving memory of Reginald (Reg) Eaton (KLR) Killed in France Jan 29 1916 (Asleep on a bed of honour) Fondly remembered by Father and Mother – 1 Hartleys Village, Aintree. 

EATON – In loving memory of my dear brother Private Reginald Eaton who was killed somewhere in France Jan 29 1916 (Never forgotten by his dear sister Hil)

EATON – In affection remembrance of Private Reg Eaton who was killed in action Jan 29 1916  - S.S. North Wales

EATON – In loving memory of Private Reginald (Reg) Eaton (KLR) killed in France Jan 29 1916 (His duty done) time cannot alter love so deep and true, for this day brings to us our grief anew  -  Hettie and Edgar

EATON – In loving memory of Private Reginald Eaton KLR killed in action somewhere in France Jan 19 1916 (Never forgotten by May and all at 14 Hans Road, Walton.

Liverpool Echo 29th January 1918 

Roll of Honour  - EATON – In loving memory of our deat son private Reginald Eaton (Reg) who was killed in action Jan 29 1916 (Ever remembered by his Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers and his four Brothers on active service  - 1 Hartleys Village, Aintree.    EATON  -  In loving memory of our dear brother Private Reginald Eaton (Reg) who was killed in action Jan 29 1916 – Ever remembered by George and Hilda

He is also commemorated on the following Memorials:

Hall of Remembrance, Liverpool Town Hall, Panel 6

Emmanuel Church of England Church, Fazakerley

Northcote Road Council School, Walton

Longmoor Lane School, Fazakerley.

We currently have no further information on Reginald Eaton. If you have or know someone who may be able to add to the history of this soldier, please contact us.